SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2620
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As of February 21, 2008
Title: An act relating to financial information.
Brief Description: Securing credit and debit card information.
Sponsors: Representatives Hurst, Ormsby, Morrell, Roach, Rolfes, Kelley and Simpson.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/04/08, 93-0.
Committee Activity: Financial Institutions & Insurance: 2/20/08.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: State law provides that persons that accept credit cards for the transaction of
business may only print the last five digits of the credit card number on any receipt given to the
cardholder. The expiration date may not be printed. These restrictions only apply to receipts that
are electronically printed and do not apply when the means of recording the number is by imprint
or handwriting. There is an additional parallel requirement specific to retailers in state law.
In 2003 the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681, et seq) was modified to provide
protections parallel to those in state law for the truncation of numbers on receipts provided to
cardholders. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act preempts state laws that conflict with the
specific provisions regarding truncation of credit card or debit card numbers. It is silent on
restrictions retained by persons that accept credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of
business.
Summary of Bill: The prohibition is expanded, such that you cannot write the expiration date
or more than the last five digits on receipts, either kept by the merchant or given to the customer.
The prohibition is also expanded to explicitly include debit cards. "Debit card" is defined as a
card or device used for a transaction that debits a cardholder's account, rather than through the
extension of credit.
The exemption is expanded to include when a retailer takes additional manual measures for the
purpose of ensuring the card is not being used fraudulently.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The technology is sufficient to make truncation
the norm. The exemption is there to help combat fraud on high ticket items. Additional language
could help protect retailers' contracts with credit card companies.
OTHER: There are concerns that the effective date will not give companies enough time to
prepare.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hurst, prime sponsor; Susan Storey, Law
Enforcement Group Against Identity Theft; Denny Eliason, Washington Bankers Association;
Terry Kohl, Washington Credit Union.
OTHER: Vicky Marin, Washington Retail Association.